Synopses & Reviews
"I became an American by refusing to assimilate, writes Arthur Hertzberg in this long-awaited memoir. Throughout his life this world-renowned rabbi, activist, author, historian, public servant, and confidante to the powerful has advocated that a true Jew is not an ethnic Jew who makes central his support for Israel or his fight against anti-Semitism, but rather a person deeply tied to the religion and its principles. Hertzberg traces his own self-discovery, confronting the choices he has made and offering a history of American Jews and their struggle for identity.
Undaunted by controversy, Hertzberg has been the moral conscience of American Jews, taking a stand on all the great issues of our time, from the creation of Israel through the Civil Rights movement to the Vietnam War and the highly fractious world of Jews today both here and abroad. Hertzberg is not willing to cede the great tradition either to religious fundamentalists or to the completely secularized. His life is a window onto the forces that have buffeted and strengthened Jews in our times, and his compelling story is an important portrait of the history and culture of the twentieth century, including his dealings with such luminaries as Golda Meir, Martin Luther King Jr., and Henry Kissinger.
This book reflects the richness of the extraordinarily active life of a man of deep knowledge and integrity. Learned in many areas, genuinely interested in other religions, Hertzberg expresses his own faith with a passion and honesty that give his story a singular strength. Written in a clear, engaging style, A Jew in America is a triumph of the human spirit.
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“[Hertzberg] bears a moral light that never dims.” Anne Roiphe
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“This is a strong book about a man who followed his conscience.” Jewish Bulletin
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“And the book is an inspiration-- for in the realm of right and wrong Hertzberg simply never compromises.” Jewish Journal
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“[R]iveting, important, and very readable.” Forward
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“[A]n extremely subtle, sensitive portrait.” New York Times Book Review
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“The author of four other books, he is considered in some circles the moral conscience of American Jews.” Booklist
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“...a must read for anyone interested not only in the man, but also in the story of his times.” Washington Jewish Week
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“Arthur Hertzberg is the leading public intellectual of Judaism of our times, and here he has written his masterpiece.” Jacob Neusner, The Jerusalem Post
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“Hertzberg has put down his recollections in pointed, witty, and compelling prose. An iconoclast and traditionalist in one-- indispensable.” Stephen J. Dubner, author of Turbulent Souls: A Catholic Son & #8217;s Return to HisJewish Family.
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Both a learned commentary on events of the last half century, and a very personal tale, filled with spicy anecdotes... Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie, President, Union of American Hebrew Congregations
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“A lively and fascinating journey... not only well examined but also brilliantly told. Highly recommended.” Library Journal
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“A jewel of a book from a master story teller.” Martin Palmer, religious advisor to HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and author of The Jesus Sutras
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“This is the story of the fulfillment of the American Jewish dream. A must read!” Edgar Bronfman, President, World Jewish Congress
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“A gripping read -- full of irony, humour and experience. A page-turner.” Amnon Rubenstein, member of the Israeli Knesset and author of From Herzl to Rabin
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“The very moving and inspiring journey of a man of conscience, courage and commitment to his spiritual identity.” Henry A. Kissinger
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“This quintessential American story touches us because people of whatever faith or ethnicity share the values it conveys.” Bill Bradley, former U.S. Senator and presidential candidate
About the Author
Rabbi Arthur Hertzberg, author of The Zionist Idea, Jewish Polemics, The Jews in America, Jews, and A Jew in America, is the Bronfman Visiting Professor of Humanities at New York University and Professor Emeritus of Religion at Dartmouth. A world-renowned Jewish scholar, he has served as president of the American Jewish Policy Foundation and the American Jewish Congress and as vice-president of the World Jewish Congress.